What is the deep plane facelift everyone in Hollywood is talking about?
If you’ve been following red-carpet reveals or late-night beauty talk, chances are you’ve heard whispers (loud whispers, actually) of the deep plane facelift—famously rumored to be the secret behind Kris Jenner’s astonishing transformation. But what exactly is this technique, and why is it capturing Hollywood’s buzz? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift and How Does It Work?
A deep plane facelift is a sophisticated surgery that goes deeper than traditional approaches.
Instead of simply lifting skin and tightening the superficial tissues, this technique targets the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and the ligaments anchoring it to underlying structures.
The surgeon releases these retaining ligaments, allowing the facial soft tissues—including muscles and fat—to be lifted and repositioned as a single, natural unit. The result? A smoother, rejuvenated look without the dreaded “wind-blown” or overly tight appearance familiar with older facelift methods.
How does it differs from traditional facelifts?
Traditional facelifts involve pulling and tightening the SMAS layer using stitches, often leaving some ligaments intact. This can lead to a more stretched or “pulled” look. But the deep plane approach truly lifts, rather than pulls:
- Releases the ligaments tethering the SMAS, enabling more comprehensive elevation.
- Redrapes the soft-tissue layer—skin, fat, and muscle—as one cohesive unit without undue tension. Produces longer-lasting, natural results, with many patients seeing improvements that persist for 10–15 years.
Can it makes you look 10 years younger??
You’ve probably seen headlines claiming dramatic age reversals—and they’re not wrong. The deep plane facelift works especially well in restoring natural definition to the mid-face and jawline, the regions most impacted by aging and gravitational pull.
Many patients report looking 10–15 years younger post-procedure. Of course, individual outcomes vary depending on skin quality, genetics, lifestyle, and the surgeon’s skill. But when done well, the deep plane technique offers some of the most age-defying yet natural outcomes.
What is included in a deep plane facelift procedure?
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what typically goes into this procedure:
1- Anesthesia: Usually performed under general anesthesia or deep twilight sedation.
2- Incisions: Carefully placed within the hairline and along natural skin creases—usually in front of and behind the ears—to minimize visible scars.
3- Dissection: The surgeon dissects below the SMAS, reaching the deep plane. Critical ligaments—such as the zygomatic, mandibular, and cervicocutaneous retaining—are released at this level.
4- Lift and redraping: The soft-tissue complex (skin, fat, and SMAS/muscle) is lifted and repositioned for a more youthful facial foundation.
5- Secure: Sutures anchor tissues in place, allowing for tension-free, natural closure.
6- Close: Incisions are meticulously closed, often hidden in natural folds and hairline areas.
7- Recovery: It’s normal to experience bruising and swelling for several days to a few weeks, which will gradually fade to reveal a refreshed appearance.
Why Hollywood love it (and you might, too)?
Hollywood’s fascination with the deep plane facelift isn’t just celebrity gossip—it’s rooted in the procedure’s ability to deliver transformative yet authentic results. It avoids the artificial “done” look and emphasizes rejuvenation in harmony with facial anatomy.
Releasing ligaments and moving the tissue as a cohesive unit “avoids the overly tight or ‘pulled’ look sometimes seen with more traditional techniques”. With results lasting up to 15 years, this facelift is a long-term investment in one’s appearance.
However, this technique is technically demanding, and not all surgeons are adequately trained to perform it properly. There’s also concern that the term “deep plane” is being used as a marketing buzzword without achieving the actual surgical depth.
The deep plane facelift is Hollywood’s best-kept (now not-so-secret) weapon for youthful elegance. It combines anatomical excellence, longevity, and an unapologetically honest look. For those seeking refined, transformative results, it’s worth exploring with a trusted specialist.
Book your consultation with Dr. Zamir Paez today
Dr. Zamir Paez, a highly skilled board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, is recognized for his expertise in advanced facial rejuvenation techniques, including the deep plane facelift.
With years of experience and a reputation for delivering natural, long-lasting results, Dr. Zamir Paez provides personalized care tailored to your unique goals.
Take the first step toward turning back the clock and rediscovering your confidence. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Zamir Paez and explore how a deep plane facelift can help you look—and feel—10 years younger.
FAQ's
A traditional SMAS facelift tightens the superficial layer by pulling it, whereas a deep plane facelift releases underlying ligaments and repositions the facial soft tissues as a unit—producing more natural and long-lasting results.
Yes—many patients and surgeons report a rejuvenated appearance that appears 10-15 years younger, especially in the mid-face and jawline.
It includes anesthesia, precise incisions, dissection below the SMAS, releasing retaining ligaments, elevation of soft tissues as a unit, suturing to secure position, and a tension-free closure.
Expect several days to a couple of weeks of bruising and swelling, with results gradually emerging and complete restoration over time.
